Happy Baby

This baby is always full of smiles.

I just can't get enough of him.

You can't fake this kind of happy.

You Capture: Happy

Happy Baby

Doorways

The previous owners of our house had some cats, and they "installed" a cat door in the door leading down to the basement stairs. Soon The Tadpole will be crawling, and we will probably block it off. But when I saw this week's You Capture challenge was doorways, I couldn't help but give it a nice send off through photos.

You Capture: Doorways

Doorways

The Next Generation

This year in my family on The Knight's side, three babies were born. Bringing the total number of children in the next generation to seven.

Every year the family grows larger. We are so blessed and lucky!

This weekend I snapped some pictures of the girls and The Tadpole with their cousin C. Some of them were shot outside.

It's fun watching the kids grow up together. It certainly makes the family holiday gatherings more joyful <3

You Capture

The Next Generation

Kindred Spirits

They are so much alike, both in looks and personality.

They truly are kindred spirits.

You Capture.

Kindred Spirits

Sushi

It's a new thing for me, but I've made and eaten it every day this week.

I usually make the rice the night before, and cut up the veggies beforehand as well.

Put down the Nori, press down the rice, roll with my new bamboo mat...it's relaxing, actually. And it tastes great. And it's healthy.

Win win for me.

You Capture

Sushi

My Inspiration

She makes promises to her younger brother and sister. To always be there for them, to be their best friends, to protect them...

At those times where I am at my wits end, she calms everyone down and projects peacefulness.
She surprises me every day. With her words and actions, she motivates me to become a better person.

She's my inspiration.

You Capture

My Inspiration

Serene

He's such a snuggle bug.

When the whole family is sick with colds and we're all stuffy and suffering from sore throats....

is it so wrong of me to be a little relieved? Because then I have an excuse to put on sweats and do nothing but this all day:

Is there anything more serene and peaceful than a sleeping baby?

You Capture

Serene

Pumpkin Patch

The family went to a local pumpkin patch, and of course there was orange everywhere.

The Tadpole, in his orange Halloween shirt and orange pumpkin hat with his cousin C. C and The Tadpole are only 6 weeks apart in age.
My beautiful, beautiful Tadpole.
My beautiful, beautiful nephew.

You Capture.

Pumpkin Patch

Would You?

Would you fall in love with this precious baby if you were looking into these eyes every day?

How could you not?

I have.

You Capture

Would You?

Everyday Things

No poses, no plans, no fancy cameras to capture the best photo.

Just everyday things that occur in our house, everyday moments of our life.

Lots of kisses. We can't live without kisses in this house. Taken with a webcam.
Everyday nap, only this time, my precious Tadpole was laughing in his sleep.

I resolve to capture these everyday moments more often, for it is these moments that make life so special.

You Capture

Everyday Things

I Got My Hands Chalky, Too.

Mommy, come look, we made the driveway colorful! Isn't it pretty?

I look at her, and yes, it is beautiful.

You Capture: Play

I Got My Hands Chalky, Too.

Life Is A Highway...

She loves to drive around the yard, and she is really good at it.

She sees me holding my camera, and stops to give me a thumbs up.

Sweet one, sometimes you drive me crazy. But I just can't get enough of you.

You Capture: Vehicles

Life Is A Highway...

Green.

I try to teach the kids how to live with awareness and tread lightly. To love the Earth.



To be green.

You Capture: Green

Green.

Angel

She didn't want me to snap her picture.

But the sunshine shone down on her as she ate her goldfish, and to me she looked like an angel.

I lay down low in the grass, hiding behind a chair, and snapped one anyway.

I hope one day, she will have a child that she views the same way, and I will laugh as she crouches down and secretly snaps a picture.

You Capture: Get Down Low

Angel

First Bath

The Tadpole had his first bath. Surrounded by his loving family, he was unafraid and didn't cry.

You Capture: Water.

First Bath

The Ultimate Gift of Spring

For this entire week, I've been running errands all day, every day. I'm exhausted.

But, I'm almost ready. The baby stuff is mostly set up, my homebirth supplies organized. I'm almost there.

It's Spring here, but it hasn't felt like it. This week has been cold, rainy, and we even got some snow yesterday morning. So while I've had to be content at looking through the window at the new life outside, I've got all the new life I need right inside me, kicking away.

Soon, I'll hold this new life in my arms. The best Spring ever.

38 Weeks.

You Capture: Spring

The Ultimate Gift of Spring

Fresh Start

Life has been crazy this week. Besides trying to get everything ready for the baby, it was also my first week as a single mom.

It sounds so weird to write "single mom". It was never something that I thought I would call myself. I haven't been able to bring myself to say it out loud yet.

I constantly doubt myself and my abilities. I wonder if I am doing the right thing.

The Mermaid comes up to me all smiles and love. I look into her eyes for the answer....and see myself staring back. And there it is, the answer.

Because now she sees me in a fresh start. She sees me a little scared, yes: but happy. And no longer stressed.

It's our fresh start. And it is good.

You Capture: Fresh

Fresh Start

Lullaby

I took this picture after watching The Mermaid sing The Guppy a lullaby until she fell asleep. The Mermaid then fell asleep herself, cuddled up with her sister.

So thankful I was there to capture this precious moment.

Oh, my dear loves. If you only knew how precious you are to me.

You Capture: Comfort

Lullaby

Footprints

All of my children have made footprints on my heart.

This baby, though not yet born, is no exception.

I'm 34 weeks today, and it is getting harder to pick her up. But the kisses and cuddles made it all worth it.

You Capture: Feet

Footprints

Her Moment

A girl. A book. A day of sunshine.

A moment.

I long to be part of it, to join her in her solitude. But I resist. This is her moment.

You Capture: A Moment.

Her Moment